WORK RELATED LEARNING POLICY

Transcription

1 WORK RELATED LEARNING POLICY Codsall Community High School Bilbrook CE (VC) Middle School Perton Middle School Codsall High Federation of Schools Work Related Learning Policy October 2016 (Review October 2018)

2 Background and context At Codsall High Federation of Schools there has been a long standing commitment to the belief that an understanding of the world of work is an essential part of every student s curriculum. We support the principal that young people must be given the opportunity to develop skills and acquire knowledge that will enable them to take up their place in a rapidly changing and technological society, one that demands a highly skilled and adaptable work force. Over the years Codsall High Federation of Schools has moved forward in equipping young people for future employment through the opportunities that we have provided within our schools. These include vocational courses, our Work Experience Programme and our Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education provision. We therefore welcome the statutory requirements under Section 351 of the 1996 Education Act to provide work related learning for all pupils at Key Stage 4 and careers advice at Key Stage 3. At Codsall Community High School we acknowledge that: Work Related Learning is defined as planned activity that uses the context of work to develop knowledge, skills and understanding useful in work, including learning through the experience of work, learning about work and learning the skills for work. Through this three stranded approach there is now the statutory requirement for us to make provision for all students at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 3 to: Learn through work by providing opportunities for students to learn through work experience or part time jobs, through enterprise activities in school and learning through vocational contexts in subjects. Learn about work by providing opportunities for students to develop knowledge and understanding of work and enterprise through vocational courses and careers education. Learning for work by developing skills for enterprise and employability through undertaking problem-solving activities, work simulations and mock interviews. We are therefore committed to improving the quality of our current provision and working towards a whole schools approach to provide a coherent programme of work related learning that will enable our students to be well prepared for work, employability and enterprise in the foreseeable future. Aims of Work Related Learning At Codsall High Federation of Schools the aim of our approach to WRL is to provide our students with a well managed, high quality programme of work related learning that will not only enable them to prepare for adult and working life but will motivate, develop skills and broaden aspirations and raise levels of attainment. Objectives The key objectives for WRL are to: ensure that work related learning has a high profile throughout the curriculum promote the value of vocational qualifications and WRL experiences with students, parents and teachers as well as within the local community

3 develop a wide range of high quality work related leaning activities, courses and opportunities that will enable students to raise achievements and aspirations map and review the provision of work related learning opportunities across the curriculum provide all of Key Stage 4 and 5 students the opportunity to participate in a well planned and evaluated period of work experience promote greater awareness and understanding of work, industry, the economy and the community encourage all curriculum areas to make links with the world of work develop personal, social and key skills and employability skills of all students in a wide range of contexts provide all students with the opportunities to work with employers through a variety of activities develop effective links with organisations such as Entrust Working Related Learning Services, local training providers and other school business partners. Student Entitlement All students have an entitlement to: A cohesive programme of work related learning with clear and planned learning outcomes integrated into the whole school curriculum that enables students to develop skills and confidence to make realistic and informed decisions about their future. A taught programme of work related learning delivered through tutor time or PSHEE lessons. Access to quality IAG services offering support and impartiality. A WRL curriculum that provides students with the opportunities to raise levels of motivation and attainment and prepares them for the responsibilities and experience of adult life. Educational experiences which encourage the development of Financial Capability. Access to UCAS and University information. Procedures and Responsibilities The schools offer a wide range of activities that contribute towards work related opportunities in order to help prepare students effectively for adult and working life. These activities complement subject teaching, contribute towards the development of students key skills as well as contributing to lifelong learning opportunities. Activities in school The range of activities the school is currently using in order to help meet its objectives includes: Vocational GCSE courses Other relevant vocational courses and qualifications such as BTEC and Cambridge qualifications Individual subject work e.g. Business Careers Education and Guidance including the annual Careers Fair Work Experience Extended Work Placements

4 Alternative Curriculum Support Visits to employers Personal, Social Health and Economic Education Visitors from Industry and Business Employability Day at Cosford Y9 Student Services Reception Duties/Certificate Curriculum development Work-related learning within the schools enable each curriculum area to make a full contribution through: the development of schemes of work that recognise the importance of work related learning in preparing students for adult and working life; ensuring that all students have access to some work related activities which are appropriate to their needs; the use of appropriate teaching and learning strategies; ensuring maximum understanding for students of the various aspects of work related learning to adult and working life; ensuring continuity and progression in schemes of work, so that all students can build on work-related experiences from previous levels; Activities outside school The range of activities that students may participate in outside school is very wide. These could include: Part-time jobs Experiences of legal requirements e.g. Health and Safety Community work Independent work experience for Y10 and Y12 Cadets, Scouts, Sports team building, leadership skills College courses Assessment Assessment within WRL is chiefly in the form of student self-assessment supported by discussion with tutors and teachers. The process of assessment follows the whole school assessment policy. All vocational courses lead to approved qualifications. Process of review and evaluation The process of review and evaluation will take place on an annual basis with recommendations being made to SLT so that key areas for development can be incorporated into the School Development Plan with amendments and modifications made to the policy as appropriate. The effectiveness of the WRL Programme will be evaluated by: Feedback from Students during the annual student survey Monitoring of student s Work Experience Journals. Parental and Employer feedback through questionnaires and discussions Feedback from the Student Council

5 Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Education WRL will contribute to each student s moral, spiritual and cultural development by helping them to recognise the meaning and value of different types of work to individuals, communities and the country as a whole. Equal Opportunities WRL will help to promote the school s policy on equal inclusion and equality by providing a range of resources, which match individual needs, helping students recognise the importance of inclusion and equality in working life and monitoring resources to ensure the absence of stereotyping. Special Educational Needs WRL will promote the school s policy on SEN by providing a specialist Entrust Work Related Learning Services Personal Advisor and a range of resources to match individual needs. Staff Development All staff involved are entitled to WRL training. Resources Apart from people, WRL has a number of resources that can be used by the students. As far as possible these are regularly updated. They currently include: Careers Library with a range of literature including books, leaflets, college and university guides and reading books on topical Careers issues and skills required for the world of work Computers located on site, videos, posters, and Career guides. Careers link on school website. Partnerships We work in partnership with the following: Entrust Work Related Learning Services who will support and complement WRL and CEG with individuals, where applicable, Local industry and businesses which support Work Experience Members of Business in the Community (BITC) where we're partnered by Jaguar Land Rover. The annual Careers Fare and in class support for vocational course. Further and Higher Education Institutions exchange up to date information and advice Parents and carers who will exchange information, contribute to the programme and where appropriate, evaluate provision. Employability Skills Day involves over 50 volunteers from colleges, universities, organisations and local and national employers. Evaluation The school policy on work related learning will be reviewed and monitored at various levels and at different times by key groups on a bi-annual basis. Regular meetings are held between Assistant Headteacher Mr Pollitt and Community Learning Manager Mrs Higgins, to monitor careers and work related learning progress throughout the academic year. Progress is fed back to the Senoir Leadership Team meetings regularly. The key priorities from the review are incorporated into the School Development Plan on an annual basis.